Hydro Excavation

HYDRO Excavation Mackay

Groundvac uses a technique known as Hydro Excavation (sometimes also called Vacuum Excavation or Soft Digging). Hydro Excavation is an increasingly popular and non-destructive form of digging that utilises high-pressure water to safely excavate without damaging existing infrastructure. This includes any underground assets such as telecommunications, fibre optics, underground power and water lines.

What Is Hydro Excavation?

Hydro Excavation is a proven and cost-effective method of locating, exposing and mapping underground utilities. Hydro Excavation can safely excavate in situations where normal excavation machinery cannot be used, and is especially useful for confined spaces. It can trench under paths, driveways, fences, concrete structures or those hard to reach places, minimising damage to surroundings and structures. In many instances this can reduce inconvenience and improve safety of the public.



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HYDRO EXCAVATION SERVICES

All the services listed below are carried out utilising the Hydro Excavation technique:

Non-Destructive Digging

Non-Destructive Digging

Hydro Excavation is a proven and cost-effective method of locating, exposing and

mapping underground utilities. Hydro Excavation can safely excavate in situations

where normal excavation machinery cannot be used, and is especially useful for

confined spaces. It can trench under paths, driveways, fences, concrete structures or

those hard to reach places, minimising damage to surroundings and structures. In many

instances this can reduce inconvenience and improve safety of the public.

Locate & Expose Services

Location

  • Underground utility service location 

Utilising high-tech equipment, our locating business provides detection of underground services such as telecommunications, gas, water, electricity, sewage and storm water. 


Our hydro excavation trucks can then pothole or trench to provide 100% confidence in the mapping of these services.

 

  • Underground utility mapping 

Involves the use of high-tech equipment to create a detailed map of below surface utilities.

 

  • Locate and expose services

To positively, and precisely locate utilities so planning for new infrastructure, building footings or piling. This can be carried out with confidence by exposing utilities to confirm identity, size, number of services and depth without damage those services.



Trenching

Trenching

Any width, length, depth, shape or direction in situations where normal excavation machinery cannot be used and is especially useful for confined spaces.


Trenching is a method commonly used in construction that involves digging a narrow trench in the ground in order to install, maintain or inspect a property's cables, conduits or pipelines. 


Trenching is usually used in situations where pipe deflection has damaged pipes, such as sewer pipes sagging. The only way to rectify a sagging pipe is to excavate the area using a trenching method, then remove and replace the pipe after applying proper bedding and an adequate slope.


At Groundvac, we can dig trenches of any width, length, depth, shape or direction in situations where it's not possible to use normal excavation machinery. 


Our services are especially useful for confined areas of your property that are difficult to access, so if you're embarking on an excavation project in a small space, give our experienced team a call to learn more about our trenching services.

Potholing

Potholing

Exposing utilities to confirm identity, size, number of services, and depth without damaging those services.


Potholing is essential when locating underground utilities, including telecommunication and electricity cables, water lines, and many other services necessary for civil earthworks. It is considered the safest method to find underground utilities. 


Before construction starts, potholing is carried out by digging holes (generally 30 cm deep) to determine the precise location, depth, and type of power lines and pipes under the surface.


In the past, charts and other methods were used, which increased the chances of digging in the wrong place. Aside from wasting energy and time, incorrect excavation could lead to danger, outages or electrical damage to workers due to power or utility lines being struck.


Hydro potholing is a non-destructive digging technique that regularly reaches and exposes underground assets for repair, replacement, and maintenance purposes using a combination of vacuum technology and pressure systems.


In many ways, hydro excavation is similar to vacuum excavation, but it offers additional advantages. Instead of air, water is used to remove dirt. This innovative yet straightforward change improves the results with both accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it works with the majority of soil types and reduces employee and environmental risk even more.


We offer safe and reliable potholing services used on a vast range of construction sites in the plumbing, telecommunications, and electrical industries.

Pressure Cleaning

High Pressure Water Cleaning

Of machinery, wash-out pits, drains and tanks. BMA compliant. Residential pressure cleaning of driveways and paths, pool surrounds and patios are catered for.


Mackay pressure cleaning services


High-pressure cleaning is one of the quickest and most effective ways of ensuring your property looks spotless on the outside too! At Groundvac we use a range of high-spec jet washing equipment, suitable for domestic, commercial and industrial cleaning. We can pressure wash driveways for residential properties, as well as patios, paths and tiles. We also provide industrial pressure washing services for businesses that have machinery, tanks or drains which need some tough cleaning. All of our work is BMA compliant and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and expert cleaning techniques. Pressure cleaning is an ideal solution for tough to get at spots or outdoor spaces which aren't regularly cleaned including: 


  • Driveways
  • Forecourts
  • Pool surrounds
  • Paths
  • Decking
  • Car parks
  • Garage doors
  • Exterior cleaning
  • and more!

If you're unsure of the best method to clean the exterior of your property or outdoor living space, call our friendly team and we can advise you on the best solution and whether high-pressure washing is a good option for you.

Septic Pump Out

Septic Tank Cleaning

Residential and commercial septic tank waste removal to 3000 litres. 


Any environmentally conscious property owner will know that installing a septic tank in your home is a great way to cut down your carbon emissions. However, in order for your septic tank to function optimally, it's essential to make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis by a licensed professional.


It can be extremely difficult to detect how deep the layers of sludge and scum in your tank are without professional equipment, which is why our team at Groundvac offers residential and commercial septic tank waste removal services that you can depend on. Allow us to take the task out of your hands. 


Our EPA licensed experts can clean septic tanks of up to 3000 litres and will remove any layers of scum and sludge that have built up over time. 


Every year or two, or when the layer of scum in your tank reaches 6-8 inches, it's time to give us a call to give your septic tank a deep clean so that your wastewater system can operate seamlessly. 


It's important to ensure your septic tank is cleaned regularly before any issues become too extreme. 

Vacuum Loading

Vacuum Loading

Can remove unwanted waste from drains, pits, tanks and silt traps. All waste is removed to the truck's holding tank. EPA licensed.


If you're working in a confined space, backhoes, diggers and other traditional debris removal methods for removing loose materials, sludge and hazardous liquids from your silt traps, tanks, pits or drains simply aren't practical. Vacuum loading, however, offers a safe and cost-effective solution that requires minimal manual effort.


At Groundvac, we use state-of-the-art vacuum loading trucks that consist of a tank and a pump to suck out any unwanted solid or liquid debris from your drains and deposit it in the storage tank attached. Our truck will then transport this debris to one of our approved deposit sites to be disposed of safely.


Our EPA-licensed team is here to provide you with an efficient and affordable waste removal service that you can rely on, so if you have any questions or specific requirements, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning

Pipes and drains up to 300mm are cleaned with special drain cleaning nozzles. Larger pipes can be manually cleaned.


Professional drain cleaning in Mackay


At Groundvac, we're proud to offer a range of professional drain cleaning services to our clients in Mackay and the surrounding areas. Whether your drains smell strange, aren't emptying properly or you think you may have blocked pipes, we're here to help. We use a range of specialised cleaning nozzles, tools and manual cleaning techniques to remove any blockages from drains up to 300mm. 


We can also clean larger pipes and drains manually if you're having any issues. If you've tried a plunger or some drain unblocking liquid and it just won't do the job, it's time to call our professionals here at Groundvac. Drains can become blocked over time for many reasons including a build-up of leaves, sticks, debris, hair, grease and litter and this can lead to problems with the water supply, pressure and could damage your property. If you've noticed unusual or unpleasant smells from your drains, your sink is taking longer to clear or water is pooling outside your property, call our drain cleaning experts today!

Hydro Excavation FAQs

  • What is hydro excavation?

    Hydro excavation, or vacuum excavation, is the process of using pressurised water to remove soil – this turns it into slurry, which the excavating operator could then easily vacuum away. This reveals more layers of soil, and the operator might repeat the hydro excavation process until they reach a pipe or utility system.


    This form of excavation can circumvent the specific limitations which other digging processes have, making this a strong alternative approach to excavation projects. As a form of non-destructive digging with virtually no risk of damaging the nearby infrastructure, many construction firms now make use of this method.

  • What are the advantages of hydro excavation?

    The main advantage of hydro excavation is its flexibility – it can quickly excavate an area without loud volumes or destructive digging. Pressurised water is a useful excavation tool that clears a path for other workers, with a greater standard of accuracy; hot water also allows it to be equally effective in winter.


    This is also a far less labour-intensive approach than other digging methods, and vacuuming the slurry instead of transporting it via dump truck saves a lot of time. There are various risk factors for most forms of digging to contend with, but hydro excavation is a much safer technique.


  • What are hydro excavation services used for?

    Construction workers and other contractors may use hydro excavation to clear the soil in anticipation of a new build, or they could excavate for the purpose of easily accessing a sensitive pipe. Manual digging, with a shovel or excavator, for example, could cause significant property damage if you aren’t cautious.


    Companies could also use hydro excavation to neatly slot a sign or pole into the ground, or could instead use it to create an opening through which they install piping. Daylighting is another application for hydro excavation, where contractors expose current utility lines before starting additional work on the infrastructure.

  • What is the process of hydro excavation?

    The hydro excavation process begins with a vacuum truck, which uses pressurised water jets on the designated area to soften the soil and turn it into a more manageable slurry. This may be especially useful for firm ground which would otherwise require potentially dangerous physical excavation with other digging tools.


    Once the water turns the soil into slurry, the truck vacuums it up to avoid a lengthy removal process; they may repeat this to penetrate deeper into the ground. Once the work is over, the truck then releases the slurry, and this usually drains and returns to soil over time.

  • Who needs hydro excavation services?

    Various industries make use of hydro excavation services to conduct their usual tasks, with construction at the core of this. For example, a construction or plumbing company might need to check the underground pipes, or otherwise alter them, so hydro excavation gives them easy access without any risks or danger.


    The engineering sector, particularly civil engineering, can similarly use hydro excavation to manage any soil obstructions on a project, or for subsurface engineers to conduct work on or around utility lines. Telecommunications companies might also make use of hydro excavation to assist with fibre optic cable installation without causing significant disruption.

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